The Soweto township in Johannesburg, Gauteng, is one of the most popular and well-known tourist attractions in South Africa. This township may not look like much from the outside, but what it lacks in infrastructure and money, it more than makes up for in charm and a strong sense of community.

This township was formed back during the apartheid era when black, coloured, and Malay citizens were relocated by the government, resulting in the Soweto Uprising that occurred on June 16^th 1976. These mass student protests, which erupted over the government’s policy to enforce education in Afrikaans, resulted in many deaths of children and soon grabbed international attention. Since then, 16 June has been commemorated across the globe as the International Day of the African Child, while in South Africa, it is known as Youth Day.

One of the great things about Soweto is that despite the turmoil of its past, it continues to display a welcoming and warm sense of community and inclusion. All visitors are received like family and invited to learn about the history and take part of daily community activities. Here are a few things we love about Soweto:

History, history, history

Soweto is full of history, and wherever you go, you’ll be reminded of it. Here are some places where you can learn about Soweto’s infamous past:

• Hector Pieterson Museum and memorial site – commemorating the 12 year old boy who was killed in the Soweto Uprising protests.
• Mandela House – a leading attraction preserving and portraying the history, heritage and legacy of the Mandela family.
• Regina Mundi Church – known as the “people’s church”, it is famous for sheltering anti-apartheid groups during the uprising. Bullet holes are still visible today!
• Kliptown Open Air Museum – dedicated to Walter Sisulu, this museum tells the story of the Freedom Charter through photographs, art, song, news clippings, and storytelling.

Culture and adventure

• Oppenheimer Gardens – This forest-like garden served as a refuge for students during the protests. Today, it qualifies as a bird sanctuary, and features a number of sculptures that speak of African art, culture, and folklore.
• Soweto tours – a number of guided tours are available to see the main attractions of Soweto in air conditioned vehicles, including CitySightseeing, Themba Day Tours, and Imbizo Tours.
• Vilakazi Street – this is the most famous street in Soweto, where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have lived. Today it features a range of famous restaurants that serve local cuisine. The base of Soweto TV is found here – a community television station that broadcasts from a classroom at the local primary school.
• Credo Mutwa Cultural Village – believed to house the spirits of the ancestors, the village honours the works of Credo Mutwa, a sangoma, artist, healer, poet, and spiritual leader. It is believed to hold the spirits of the ancestors, and boasts a sculpture park with a collection of Zulu warriors, African Imps (tokoloshes), chiefs and aliens, surrounded by trees used in African healing potions and medicines.
• Orlando Cooling Towers – these historic and colourful landmarks are not just for show. They also offer the chance to bungee jump, rap jump, rock climb, and enjoy a bird’s eye view over Soweto.

Food and entertainment

• Choc’s Restaurant and Bar – this is Soweto’s trendiest restaurant. Fondly called “Choc’s”, it serves local cuisine such as pap, mogodu, and chicken wings, and features a full bar with beers, ciders, and cocktails.
• Jazz Maniacs Restaurant – this eatery at the Soweto Hotel constantly resonates with contemporary jazz music. The menu offers township fare and interesting concoctions like a sweet potato cuppucino soup, and pan-fried Karoo rack of lamb served with pap, rice pilaf, or chips.
• Chaf Pozi – a shebeen and restaurant that is easily the best place in town for pre and post-match entertainment at the FNB Stadium. The restaurant is all about Shisa Nyama style food with cuts of mutton, beef, chicken, and pork cooked on an open flame.
• Mandela’s Family Restaurant – owned by Madiba’s first wife, Winnie, this eatery is the best place to grab some classic Soweto bunny chow!

Fun facts about Soweto. Did you know?

• The name Soweto was shortened from “South Western Townships”
• The film District 9 was shot in Soweto
• Soweto has its own newspaper – The Sowetan
• Soweto is credited as one of the founding places for Kwaito and Kasi Rap music.
• Soweto is home to 2 soccer teams, namely the Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows
• Two Nobel Peace Prize winners were born and bred in Soweto, namely former South African president, Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (who still lives here)

Don’t miss these Soweto events:

• The Soweto Open is a tennis tournament held annually in Soweto
• The annual Soweto marathon is run over 42.2km through Soweto
• The Soweto Wine Festival is a 3-night festival hosted by the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus in early September each year.

Where to stay

TravelGround has Soweto accommodation to complete your stay – enjoy the whole experience and stay overnight at one of our establishments!

• Flossie’s B&B

Flossie’s B&B offers a complete Soweto lifestyle experience within walking distance of Maponya Mall, 3km from the Walter Sisulu Square, and 45km from OR Tambo International Airport. Enquire now.

• Pimville Guest House

Pimville Guest House borders the Soweto Golf course, and is close to Kliptown where the Walter Sisulu Square of Dedication is situated. Enquire now.

• Dithakong Bed & Breakfast

Dithakong Bed & Breakfast is located in Pimville, within walking distance of the Walter Sisulu Square and Pimville Golf Course, just 5 minutes’ drive from Maponya Mall. Enquire now.

Have you visited Soweto? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

Main image attributed to hom26 (Flickr)